anethole trithione (Solvay)

Anethole trithione (marketed under the brand name Sulfarlem S25) is a small molecule drug traditionally used as a sialogogue to treat dry mouth (xerostomia/hyposialia) and dry eyes. It acts by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing acetylcholine secretion, and upregulating muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on salivary acinar cells to promote saliva and tear production. Additionally, research by OP2 Drugs has revealed that anethole trithione (also investigated under the development code OP2113) acts as a specific mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) blocker. It selectively inhibits superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production at the IQ site of mitochondrial Complex I (acting as a S1QEL) without disrupting oxidative phosphorylation or normal electron transport. This cardioprotective mechanism is being investigated for the treatment of myocardial infarction (ischemia-reperfusion injury) and other diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Brand names

Sulfarlem S25Sulfarlem SSulfarlemSialorEnitolFelvitenHeporalMucinolSonicurTiotrifar

Other names

5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione5-(4-methoxyphenyl)dithiole-3-thioneanetholtrithioneanetholtrithionanethol dithiolthioneanisyldithiolthioninetrithioanetholetrithio-p-methoxyphenylpropene